Interdisciplinary energy research and education is a key strategic initiative for Carnegie Mellon. Using its strength in collaborative effort, CMU is committed to working toward a sustainable energy future and was honored to have Chu as a guest of the university.

Eager to engage with the group, Chu, a Nobel laureate in physics, spoke only briefly before he sat and opened the packed room for questions.

Discussion topics ranged from the future of the nuclear industry post-Fukushima to smart grid technologies.

"Fukushima reminded us that you can't let your guard down," said Chu. "And it doesn't matter where around the world, if you have a nuclear accident, it affects everyone."

Chu added, "The other thing is the price of natural gas, now the least expensive way of generating electricity. That has a huge impact on nuclear investment."

Regarding smart grid technologies he stated that a smarter grid would enable us to direct energy more efficiently.

"We're still in the middle of the 20th century — our electrical system would be recognizable by Edison and Tesla," Chu said. "We pour electricity in the top and it all trickles down — overfilling it so it reaches all the nooks and crannies. And if you lose just that couple percent, it's still a really high number."

CMU is invested in addressing the world's need for smart alternative energy sources. The university has established a Smart Grid Research Center in partnership with the Semiconductor Research Corporation — the world's leading university-industry research consortium for semiconductors and related technologies.

In answer to one student's question, Chu provided the student audience with energy career advice.

"There's an incredible shortage of really high-quality power electronics engineers. I see a big, big market, nationally and internationally," Chu shared.

"I also see a big market in developing new financial instruments for investment. Installation of a known technology uses a reputable company and requires a power purchase agreement — there's no public market for this kind of investment but if you could borrow money at 8 to 10 percent, it would drive investment forward tremendously."